Supervisors direct staff to draft ordinance and letter-of-intent for small agricultural structures to reduce permitting burden

Supervisor Dan Frazier introduced draft language proposing limited exemptions for small agricultural and accessory structures from building-permit requirements or for streamlined handling via a short "letter of intent" process.

Frazier said the intent is to reduce permitting costs for common, noncommercial agricultural structures such as livestock shelters, hay storage and seasonal hoop houses. He told the board a number of residents and small farmers cannot afford conventional permit fees and that a targeted exemption or simplified registration would reduce barriers while protecting safety. “It's intended to make it easier for people to survive in Trinity County,” he said.

County Counsel and CAO Tothill advised that a narrowly scoped ordinance or letter-of-intent could be drafted but recommended safeguards to limit liability and to clarify when a permit or full review would still be required (for example, when plumbing, electrical, permanent foundations or commercial use are involved). CAO Tothill said Humboldt County's letter-of-intent model (a short filing fee and a brief description reviewed by staff) is a practical example.

The board directed staff and counsel to draft a formal ordinance (amendment to County Code chapter 15.04 building code) and a proposed letter-of-intent process for small agricultural structures, and to return with recommended language, administrative steps and possible tax-assessment implications. Board members said they prefer a targeted approach limited to noncommercial, accessory agricultural uses and that any program should avoid opening broad, unregulated exemptions.

Why it matters: The change could lower costs for small-scale farmers and rural residents who need low-cost shelters and storage while requiring staff to balance public-safety standards, assessor implications and enforcement.

Speakers - Supervisor Dan Frazier — sponsor of draft language - County Counsel — legal considerations - CAO Tothill — operational considerations - Public commenters (farmers and county residents) supportive of reduced permitting burden

Clarifying details - Examples of included structures: hoop houses, small barns for livestock or hay, 120-square-foot or smaller sheds (the state code already exempts some small detached accessory structures). - Trigger points for a full permit: plumbing, electrical service, permanent foundations, public assembly or commercial use.

Provenance: Item recorded in the Dec. 17 meeting transcript during the board's county-matters portion.